A writer with a severe physical disability and from the north-east of England, I’m eclectic by nature — with an attention span that demands variety and high degrees of interest. I like to be challenged and engaged, and would rather be thinking than reading, watching or listening. It’s fun. More people should try it 
A determinedly “struggling” writer for a number of years, one of my latest completed novels, The Realm of the Hungry Ghosts, has just been recommended by the Acquisitions Editor of a US publisher to his colleagues. I know enough about the business to realise that there’s still a way to go, but I can’t help being a little optimistic (update.)
My interests, writing aside, include literature, current affairs, music, the arts in general, skeptical enquiry — and anything that challenges (possibly flawed) widely accepted beliefs. I am not religious. Although I find much that is useful in the Pagan/Magickal traditions (there is a symbolic richness that I like… certain frameworks of thought that can be helpful), I consider myself a dyed-in-the-wool atheist. Without wishing to offend, the idea of a literal “god” or “goddess” is, to say the least, unconvincing to me.
My worldview is a simple one, I suppose. I value reason. I value facts. I have no problem with anyone believing whatever they wish (it is a right I would fight for), but I will not stand idly aside and let mere belief (yes, I said mere belief) be used in an assault on knowledge, fact, logic and reason.
We are getting serious, arent we? Not at all like me, actually. In spite of the above, I am, on the whole, inclined towards laughter. Humour is a great leveller, and, I find, vital in this peculiar world of ours. I can laugh at my own failings (and too often do).
Favourite quotes:
“Well, the telling of jokes is an art of its own, and it always rises from some emotional threat. The best jokes are dangerous, and dangerous because they are in some way truthful.” — Kurt Vonnegut.
“I’m going to have fun telling you about this absurdity, because I find it delightful. Please don’t turn yourself off because you can’t believe Nature is so strange. Just hear me all out, and I hope you’ll be as delighted as I am when we’re through.”
– Richard P. Feynman (1918-1988),
from the introductory lecture on quantum mechanics reproduced in QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter (Feynman 1985).
“Ridicule is the only weapon which can be used against unintelligible propositions.” — Thomas Jefferson.
November 9, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Not another athiest… I’ll definately be returning to this bog looks like an interesting place to be.
November 9, 2007 at 6:08 pm
lol. Glad to read you’ll be returning… though I’m hoping “bog” was a typo
November 22, 2007 at 10:59 am
Enjoying the combination of two of my favourite things, atheism and writing
November 22, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Thank you, PopScience! Hope you continue to enjoy future posts.
February 15, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Hello Gary, I loved your draft of children of the resolution. It brought back memories of when I attended Ormesby school. One memory in particular of being mowed down by a girl in a wheel chair we dubbed Evil Edna.I Know now that name calling is not big or clever but at the time was our only means of defence !!!!! I bet she still trawls the streets waiting for unsuspecting victims lol. Keep up the good work.
February 15, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Hi Alyson!
Really glad you like it. Bill and Sandra told me Angela was enjoying it, too, and that she’d like to read further chapters via email. Is it okay if I use your email address (which I now have)?
Evil Edna rings a bell, actually
In retrospect, some of the wheelchair users were a bit mad — and not always very considerate. She clearly deserved the name, mowing you down like that *tuts disapprovingly* Now, I would never have done something like that. 
Take care and thanks for commenting!
February 15, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Hi! Yes its fine to use my email address , that way i get to read it first lol.
What ,you would never have done something like that too often lol.
Looking forward to the next chapters .
cheers.
February 15, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Will send Chapter Five over this weekend… don’t want you both getting withdrawal symptoms
I’ll have you know I was a very safe driver… well…
February 15, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Sorry Gary, Not sure if u got my last comment, Yep no probs 2 use my email 4 chapters. (I get 2 read em 1st then pass em 2 Ang he he)
February 16, 2008 at 9:50 am
Got it, Alyson (all comments are moderated, so they don’t go up until I’ve had chance to read and authorise, them.)
I’ve just picked up an email from Ang — so I’m not sure who to send it to, now… hmmm… problems, problems…
Just teasing. Will send a copy to you both
June 17, 2008 at 1:13 pm
The story of Kafka and the doll was first told by Anthony Rudolph. My daughter, Kathi Diamant tells the story in her book KAFKA’S LAST LOVE (which has editions in England and the USA. Translations have been printed in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese and Russian.)
Kathi is currently in Prague on a mission to find lost Kafka letters which were confiscated from Dora Diamant by the Nazis. You can find more at her websites. There is an additional website available @ http://www.kathidiamant.com
June 17, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Thanks for this, William. As you will see, I’ve written a blog post concerning this. I think a few of my readers, at least, will be interested.
June 30, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Gary,
“Don’t depend on God or Father Christmas to give you anything. You’ll only be disappointed.”- G. Hagan
Obviously a statement to his children on Christmas Eve after a fight with mum and quite a few pints.
Timotheus
July 1, 2008 at 10:08 am
Ah, so you picked up the gauntlet, Timotheus
Nice of you to drop by.
Given that he was my great-grandfather, I’d have to say, not so “obviously”, my friend. A generous, loving, hard-working man who, yes, enjoyed a drink, your representation of him is way off the mark. Funny, though. I can certainly imagine it being used by others on such an occasion. (Makes a note for future reference
)